ANFAO, the Italian Optical Goods Manufacturers’ Association, presented first-quarter Italian eyewear financial results while outlining a new strategic roadmap for supporting the Italian eyewear industry during its annual General Meeting, held July 14 in Milan.
During the meeting, ANFAO President Lorraine Berton and the association’s leadership presented initiatives aimed at helping member companies navigate economic conditions, technological advances, and evolving global markets.
“In a world where change has become the norm, ANFAO’s role is not simply to represent companies, but to help them build the future,” says Berton. “Today, competitiveness depends not only on the ability to respond to change, but on the ability to anticipate it.”
Market Report
The association reviewed first-quarter Italian eyewear export performance. Total industry exports reached €1.34 billion during the January-March period, a 6.1% decline compared with the first quarter of 2025. Sunglasses exports contributed significantly, with a 7.6% decline, while optical frames were down 3.8%.
ANFAO reported the largest decline in the U.S. market, with optical frame exports down 22.4% and the combined optical frames and sunglasses segment down 33.8%. Exports to several Western European countries showed growth, including increases to Germany (6.8%), Spain (3.6%), and the United Kingdom (3.0%). Other markets with notable positive growth included Poland, Hong Kong, and Brazil.
According to the association, those results underscore the importance of continued market diversification as Italian eyewear manufacturers adapt to changing global trade conditions.
New Programs and Industry Initiatives
Among the new initiatives announced during the ANFAO meeting was Talent Bridging, a workforce development program designed to help eyewear companies attract, develop, and retain talent. The program will begin in September with workshops focused on employer branding, skills development, and talent retention.
ANFAO also introduced Open Vision, a new initiative from its Lens Group intended to encourage dialogue among opticians, optometrists, ophthalmologists, and patients while promoting greater awareness of eye health. The project will feature an eight-part podcast series.
The association will also continue its partnership with LUISS Business School’s Export Management program. This year’s sessions will focus on the practical application of artificial intelligence.
International Events
ANFAO highlighted several international initiatives planned over the coming months, including the Italian Eyewear Exhibition events in Paris and São Paulo, participation in Silmo Istanbul, and preparations for MIDO 2027, scheduled for Feb. 6-8, 2027, in Milan.